AFL CHIEF executive Andrew Demetriou has praised North Melbourne officials for helping lead the club through arguably its most turbulent time.
Speaking after North Melbourne officials announced plans of a $15 million redevelopment to the club’s Arden Street base – which will include a Learning and Life Centre designed to bring Melbourne’s multicultural community closer together – the AFL boss said the Kangaroos were no longer a concern to those at league headquarters.
Last year the besieged club was under financial threat, contemplating a move to the Gold Coast and in need of a new chief executive.
However since voting to stay in Melbourne, Demetriou said the Kangaroos deserved a pat on the back.
“I think they’ve done an outstanding job,” Demetriou said.
“From the moment that James Brayshaw came on board and then basically went after a new CEO in Eugene Arocca … we’ve already seen what a transformation they’ve had.
“Obviously what happens on the field is something that Dean Laidley is responsible for, but off the field, the club is now tracking to make a handsome profit this year.
“I think they should be congratulated.”
Asked if the Kangaroos were still of any concern to the AFL, Demetriou replied: “No, I don’t think they are a concern for us.”
“We’re concerned about all our clubs from time to time, but this football club, from the moment it announced it wanted to stay in Melbourne, has kicked many, many goals,” he said.
“I mean 30,000 members is an incredible achievement given that we didn’t ever think we’d see the day that the North Melbourne Football Club would have that level of membership.”
Demetriou said he “certainly could not have” envisaged the Kangaroos being so well-placed off the field at the same time 12 months ago, but Monday’s announcement would further strengthen the club’s off-field position.
“I think anything that can enhance your brand and certainly your relevance in what is really a competitive environment certainly helps you financially,” he said.
“It’s always been an innovative football club, it’s been a club that’s been prepared to think outside the box, to take a risk.”
Along with club funding, the Kangaroos’ Learning and Life Centre will receive financial backing from the Scanlon Foundation, the AFL and the Victorian State Government.
“It’s a great initiative to be able to provide a centre that can provide great learnings for our multicultural community, and to use football and the club as a vehicle is a great thing," Demetriou said.
“And with the support of the Victorian Government and ourselves and Australian Multicultural Foundation, it’s just a wonderful partnership to be involved in.”
